West Plains Daily Digest Sunday, September 20, 2026
Ty's Take
Property lines and right-of-way disputes have a way of turning neighbors into adversaries out here, and this week's arrest over a county road squabble in Ava is a reminder that some arguments don't cool off once they get hot. Meanwhile, a West Plains man facing assault charges in Oregon County and a Howell County resident indicted on firearms and drug possession shows what happens when tempers or judgment go sideways. The good news is that folks around here still show up for each other when it counts, like the Special Olympics fundraiser coming October 3rd. That's the balance we live with in these hills, where most days folks are civil and helpful, but every so often someone lets things go too far.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 20 at 4:20AM CDT until September 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 102 degrees are expected. * WHERE...all of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT /8 PM EDT/ this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses....
Ozark Radio News
Ava man charged with harassment, resisting arrest after county road dispute
An Ava man has been charged with two counts of first degree harassment and resisting arrest following a dispute with neighbors over a county road. A Douglas County deputy discovered trash and tires blocking the roadway while investigating the ongoing conflict.
Planned Power Outage for Winona
The City of Winona has scheduled a city-wide power outage for September 23rd around 10 p.m. to perform routine maintenance on the electrical system. Residents are advised to unplug sensitive electronics before the outage begins.
West Plains Man Facing Multiple Charges After Alleged Assault in Oregon County
A West Plains man faces multiple charges after allegedly assaulting his adult daughter and endangering three children during a violent incident at a private residence in Oregon County. The Oregon County Sheriff's Office responded to an emergency call reporting the assault on September 16th.
Fundraiser to Support Special Olympic Athletes Scheduled for October 3rd
Mountain Grove is hosting a family-friendly fundraiser on October 3rd from noon to 3 p.m. at the old high school gym on North Main to support the local Special Olympics team. The event will feature activities including a bounce house and is designed to help athletes prepare for state competitions.
Howell County Man Indicted in Possession of 34 Firearms and Meth
A federal grand jury has indicted Gregory Porter, 57, of Mountain View, on charges of illegally possessing 34 firearms and more than 150 grams of methamphetamine. Porter, a Howell County resident, was charged in a four-count indictment.
Trail of Treats Adds New Attractions
Ava's Trail of Treats returns for its second year on October 31st at Ava City Park with expanded attractions for Halloween celebrations. The family event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the park located at 1005 Johnson Ave.
Ava Man Injured After Hitting Deer on Motorcycle
A 22-year-old Ava man suffered minor injuries Friday night when his Harley-Davidson struck a deer on Highway B north of town just after 8:19 p.m. The helmet-wearing rider was transported by Cox EMS to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, and the motorcycle was totaled.
Alton Man Injured in Rollover Crash Near Thayer
A rollover crash north of Thayer on Highway 19 Friday afternoon injured a 41-year-old Alton man driving a southbound Ford F-150. The truck ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected, and overturned after the driver lost control just after 12:30 p.m.
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